The Mommies Network

Keep Calm and Happy Father's Day #fathersday2013

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0000

From The Mommies here at The Mommies Network!

Social Media Saturday: Facebook Hashtags #socialmedia

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 11:22:00 +0000

Its not a rumour! So the announcement has been made that now Facebook will have clickable #hashtags. The social network wants to make it easier for users to find content already on Facebook, and functional hashtags are the first step. According to Facebook, many users already post hashtags anyway, so why not make them work. Hashtags will be both clickable and searchable, so, for example, topics like #NSALeaks or #NBAFinals will now exist.

Instagram and Twitter already use clickable hashtags and make things much easier to search and find what you are looking for or items you have in common with others maybe.

If you are interested in increasing your social media knowledge, use those #hashtags and learn as much about how they are used that you can.

Watch for the hashtag #MommiesNetwork for information, pictures and some great posts and tweets!

Building A Better Student: Plugging The Summer Brain Drain

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:19:00 +0000

As kids, we loved our summer breaks. As parents and teachers, we sometimes wonder if it derails a kid’s progress in school. Often referred to as "the summer brain drain," the worry is that too much down time allows students to not only fritter away what they might have learned in the previous school year, but it also gets them out of learning mode.

If you're concerned about this, let me suggest a few things that might ease the problem and help plug the drain.
If you think about it, kids look forward to their summer break with such enthusiasm not simply because it means no school, but because it also means lots of fun activities. Well, why not think about all of the ways you can weave learning opportunities into those activities?

Examples: If you're taking your kids out to a baseball game, talk to them about the way a player's batting average is determined. Even if they only keep track of a player's average for that one game, it becomes a fun math project for them. If a guy gets one hit in four at-bats, they'll suddenly understand where the .250 average comes from. (For your own help, one hit divided by four at-bats.)

If you take them to the aquarium, why not have them research the history of sharks. Why sharks? Well, besides the fact that they're fascinating animals, their history dates back literally tens of millions of years, and it provides a great opportunity for young people to learn about how some species die out, while others evolve and mutate into the familiar creatures we see today.

Kids love going to the movies. I know a parent who did something fun after taking her son to see one of his favorite superheroes in a summer action flick. She challenged him to go home afterwards and create his own comic book, featuring that superhero. It allowed him to come up with his own unique story (you KNOW I love that!), and it also challenged him artistically. He ended up breaking out the colored pencils and creating an eight-page masterpiece, completely illustrated. He felt like a total rockstar afterwards.

Going on a long road trip? Why not use the time in the car to investigate the geography along the way, or invite the kids to plot different courses on a map, complete with details on distance and ETA. Today’s innovative new tech tools can make it fun.

And, of course, there are so many more that you can come up with. Just because the kids might be out of class for a long break, it doesn't mean that their brains have to shut down completely. The goal is to find fun activities that will embellish their experiences out of school. They'll love it, and you probably will too!

If you have other suggestions, comments here would be appreciated by many. Thank you, and enjoy the summer!

Our Building A Better Student Guest Blogger:

Dom Testa is an author, speaker, morning radio show host, and has kept a ficus tree alive for twenty two years. He’s also the founder and president of The Big Brain Club, a non-profit foundation that helps young people embrace the idea that Smart Is Cool. More info at www.DomTesta.com.

Social Media Saturday: A Social Media Cheat Sheet {infographic}

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:34:00 +0000

Social Media Saturday with The Mommies Network

You can follow The Mommies Network on all 9 networks via the list below (we do follow back)

Happy National Donut Day with some Baked Blueberry Donut Recipe #donut #foodie

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0000

photo credit to MomAdvice.com

Recipe:

Baked Blueberry Donuts with a Lemon Glaze

Ingredients:

2 cups cake flour (or 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour + 1/4 cup cornstarch)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
zest from 1 lemon
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup blueberries, halved

Lemon Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 Tbsp milk
1 Tbsp lemon juice (from the lemon you zested)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Add in the lemon zest and whisk this into your dry ingredients. Pour in the milk, eggs, butter and vanilla extract. Gently mix the ingredients together. Be careful not to over-mix the batter. Fold in the halved blueberries carefully. Lightly grease a doughnut pan with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully spoon the batter into the doughnut pan, filling each one halfway. Bake the doughnuts at 400 F for 8-9 minutes. The donuts will remain light in color, but should spring back when pressed.

For the glaze: Put the powdered sugar in a large bowl. Add in the lemon juice, milk and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine. If the glaze is too thick, add additional lemon juice or milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Once the doughnuts are done baking, let them cool in the doughnut pan for 4 minutes. Carefully remove the donuts from the pan. Dip one side of each doughnut in the glaze. Set the doughnuts on top of a cooling rack with a baking sheet underneath. Allow the glaze on the doughnuts to dry and serve immediately with big glasses of ice cold milk.

Prep Time: 5-7 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Serving Size: 12 donuts

Read more at http://momadvice.com/blog/2011/08/baked-blueberry-donuts-with-a-lemon-glaze#8xmIJtzhcrOytEAP.99

Enjoy your Donuts today!!

Jumblzar - the new way for moms to buy and sell!

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 21:04:00 +0000

And

What is Jumblzar?

Jumblzar is an invitation-only marketplace for moms to buy and sell new and gently used items with other moms in your local community and the Jumblzar network.

Why sell on Jumblzar?

Enjoy one, simple and fun place to buy and sell with other moms (no need to post on several different websites- your target market is here!)
Create a personalized shop where you can list your items for sale
Easily promote your shop and listings for maximum exposure on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest
Conveniently search products by your local zip code or local mom group
Follow shops and categories you love to receive updates when new items are listed
There are no fees. Jumblzar is free to set up a shop, list and sell an item
We take great pride in the community we're building so you can have confidence knowing who you are buying and selling with. Learn more about the community we are growing on our community page
As a ‘Founding Mommy,’ you receive a Super Mommy badge when you set up your profile!

What can you sell on Jumblzar?

You can sell new and gently used baby, child and maternity items. This covers a wide range of items from strollers and clothes to toddler car seats, toys, youth sports equipment and maternity clothes.

Recently we announced the launch of Jumblzar, the FREE, invitation-only mom marketplace, where you can buy and sell new and used items exclusively to moms on your chapter, or nationwide. Because membership is limited, you can be sure you are buying and selling with only local moms who are active in the community.

Jumblzar has been listening to your feedback and continuously adding new features and tools to their platform, to provide a better experience for YOU! If you haven't checked out Jumblzar yet, get your free invitation today!

You must be a member of The Mommies Network to get your invitation to join Jumblzar, so join us today and find out what all the hoopla is about!

www.themommiesnetwork.org

https://www.facebook.com/TheMommiesNetwork

www.jumblzar.com

https://www.facebook.com/jumblzar

Wordless Wednesday: Ribbit Ribbit

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:23:00 +0000

Caption this .............

Building A Better Student: The Digital Ever After

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Building A Better Student: The Digital Ever After By Dom Testa

Here’s a tale of two mistakes, separated in time.

Let’s start with Amanda, a bright, outgoing young woman, and a pretty good student with lots of friends. Most of her fellow middle school classmates are - like her - good kids but occasionally they test boundaries. So does Amanda. It’s what kids do.
This time, though, she stepped a little too far over the line. She and two friends thought it would be funny to break into their school one night during the summer and rearrange every room’s furniture. They didn't do any real damage; just mischief, really, and so much fun.
Until they were caught by a maintenance man, who contacted the police. School officials and their parents were called, but - after threats of future consequences - no charges were filed, and the girls agreed to spend three months working at the school after classes.

Then there’s Kelsey. She’s also a smart, friendly young woman with lots of friends, and she, too, wanted to test the wild side. So, in order to tease a boy at school, she texted a provocative photo of herself, a scantily-clad pose that she thought was funny.
He promptly shared it with five other boys, two of whom posted it online on several sites.

Two middle school girls, two stupid mistakes, and two embarrassing outcomes. The difference is that Amanda’s school break-in occurred in 1993; Kelsey’s text was in 2013.While Kelsey’s image is now forever imprinted upon the digital landscape, Amanda’s error has no visible record. We all know that - had the school break-in happened today -pictures, texts, tweets, and more would’ve circulated immediately.
Kids will be kids, no matter if its 1973, 1993, or 2013.

What hurts children of this new era, however, is the Digital Ever After. The matrix never forgets.
And it can be damaging in heartbreaking ways.

A particular college scholarship program is swamped with applications from high school students across the country. After narrowing down the potential grantees to a fewhundred, the director of the program explained some of the factors that go into the final selections.
“Sure, their essay is important,” he says. “But I also check all of their social media sites.And google them.”
You know what he’s looking for, right? Kelsey, if she'd applied, would be sunk.

It doesn't stop with college; employers scour the web not only when interviewing new applicants, but to check up on current employees, as well. It’s not unheard of for people to lose their job because of their social media footprint.
A recent story in England detailed how people sometimes indict themselves. A young woman hit a cyclist with her car, then sped away. Later that day she tweeted the incident - yes, she tweeted it herself, cursing cyclists. Shocked readers then forwarded her tweet to the police. It won't end well for her.
The lure of instant fame and artificial popularity is intoxicating for many people, but especially for the young. They're just beginning to stretch their social muscle, and the concept of consequences is fuzzy to them. It’s difficult for them to grasp the harsh aftermath from a momentary lapse in judgment, repercussions courtesy of the Web’s long memory.
This is a lesson for students that parents and teachers can’t emphasize enough. The gift of wondrous technology has a dark side, one that can haunt even the best kids. Talk to them often, share examples of how one post or one photo dearly cost one of their peers, and reinforce the critical motto of “think before you hit Send.” Remind them that their friends might mean well, but that they, too, hold technological weapons in their hands. Caution your students to be aware of every photo taken, and conscious of every tweet.
The Digital Ever After doesn't have to be dark; it has the potential for a happy ending.But it also can end in tears.

Dom Testa is an author, speaker, morning radio show host, and has kept a ficus tree alive for twenty two years. He’s also the founder and president of The Big Brain Club, a non-profit foundation that helps young people embrace the idea that Smart Is Cool.More info at www.DomTesta.com.

Social Media Saturday: Twitter How To's and How Not To Do's

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:13:00 +0000

How do you Twitter? How do you act on Twitter? These are some very helpful tips for any

social media mom or businesswoman.

Back to some basics of Twitter. Learning the basics first will help you understand the fine points of how this unique social media platform works. You can actually destroy your Twitter account with a few no no's from the #10CommandentofTwitter List. No fear, you can do this!

Credit to the author above and @calinTanar infographics

Credit to www.twiends.com for the infographic above

See ya next Saturday for another Social media Saturday.

Our other social media platforms can be found here www.themommiesnetwork.org and on our blog

sidebar here also.

Winner of Book Giveaway .....

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 08:53:00 +0000

All Bears Need Love...Book Giveaway

Our Winner via a Random.org pick is "Virgina" Loudon!

Congratulations Virginia!

Please send your address via email to socialmedia@themommiesnetworkorg

Let The Countdown Begin #mommiesnetwork #givingback

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 31 May 2013 05:28:00 +0000

We are in the last 24 hours of our annual May is for Mothers Campaign.

It’s been a long month, and we are sure that you have seen the posts, read the social media, and are just plain SICK of us asking for money.

And we are a little sick of asking.

This is our LAST time ( promise!)

We just want to leave you all on a positive note, and let you know what your donations mean to us.

We have mothers across this country who come to us because they are experiencing the feeling we all have had. Motherhood can be a lonely place sometimes,and we can feel lost in what is our most rewarding (and most challenging)role. Our priorities shift….our world is different, and we need to surround ourselves with people who understand that.

Your donation to The Mommies Network allows us to keep giving this to you, and it allows us to open our doors to the millions of moms out there who have not found us yet.

Tomorrow, a mom- either new to your area or new to motherhood, will stumble upon one of our sites. Maybe she’s just looking for information…maybe she’s wanting information on coupons…maybe she’s struggling with breastfeeding…maybe she is struggling with PPD. She will find a wealth of new information,new friends, and the kind of support that mothers need. YOU helped do that. And although you may not know her name, and you may never get a chance to see her, she has been given a precious gift by YOU (just as someone gave the gift to you when you found us).

We want to thank all of you who have given thus far, and we want to thank those who have not, but are going to right now. And most of all, we want to thank the ones who WANT to give, but cannot for personal reasons. You are in our hearts and on our minds, and we are giving because we know that you deserve this support just as much as we do (if not more so), so we give in your honor.

And finally, we would like to thank all of our volunteers who have put so much into this effort. Our organization is built on the efforts of our volunteers, and they give to our members every day. We would be nothing without you, and we want you all to know how much you mean to us.

Thank you all!

To make a donation, Use our quick and easy Razoo page to made a donation over $10 now… http://www.razoo.com/story/Mommies-Network

Or, if you prefer a donation under $10 ( or would just prefer to use Paypal) you can use our quicklink to our paypal donation account: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4Q7EDYTFQR8B2

Calling All Moms & Mom's To Be: Mommybites has a treat for You! #mommiesnetwork

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 31 May 2013 01:49:00 +0000

Are you pregnant and have so many questions?

Need some Mommy help?

Updated schedule for the Mommybites Parenting classes! Help has arrived! We are so excited!
The Mommies Network is thrilled to partner with Mommybites to offer all of you free online parenting classes. Mommybites was founded in 2006 and has become one of the largest social and educational communities in the NY area and has a growing online community. Through their signature free online parenting classes and parenting tips and articles, Mommybites connects moms-to-moms, moms to experts and moms to all the latest parenting education, products, resources and support to help make moms’ lives a bit easier. What a better team, The Mommies Network and Mommybites, your support team!

UPCOMING FREE PARENTING CLASSES

Please note: our webinars and teleclasses do fill. Please do not hesitate to register if you're interested.

Tuesday, 6/4: Teleclass: Secrets of an Organized Mom
Tuesday, 6/11: Teleclass: Children and Divorce
Wednesday, 6/12: Teleclass: Ask The Pediatrician – New Parent Questions
Tuesday, 6/18: Teleclass: Food to Optimize Your Child’s Health and Focus
Wednesday, 6/19: Webinar: Importance of Tummy Time
Wednesday, 6/26: Webinar: Smart Sleep Solutions
Wednesday, 7/17: Webinar: Positive Discipline

There are some very interesting topics there, helpful information, sign up now for your free class!

Memorial Day: Remember and Honor

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Mon, 27 May 2013 21:12:00 +0000

We hope you have had a safe and festive Memorial Day weekend, lets not forget what we are remembering and celebrating. Many Americans have lost their lives serving our fine country, many mothers have lost their children to war and combat, many a soldier has returned home scarred physically and emotionally. Remember to thank a veteran for serving and protecting our country.

Thank you to all those men and women who are serving our country today or who have served so bravely before. We salute you!

Social Media Saturday: Pinterest is Changing Are you Ready? #infographic

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 25 May 2013 10:45:00 +0000

Each Saturday I thought I would start posted helpful information for our chapters and other readers about all things social media. As the Senior Advisor for Social Media for The Mommies Network, I have the pleasure of being "social " all day long and most days into the night too. I have learned so much by just trial and error to tell you the truth, learning hands on and reading everything I can get my hands on that is related to social media. Yes they do make a Social Media for Dummies book and yes I have read it too...lol
My most favorite social media spot is Pinterest of course (2nd to Instagram now) and Facebook of course....or maybe Twitter....oh my there are so many. Pinterest has changed if you have noticed, do you understand all those changes? Pinterest is a very highly recommended social media site for anyone with a blog or in business. Even if you wish to just get your name out there in the social world.The infographic above has some of the changes, since the roll out of the new updates Pinterest has updated a few key things, you can share to Twitter still (thank goodness) and I have been using hashtags in my posts and to search just fine. Make sure if you change to the new updated Pinterest that you are sure, you can not go back to the old version!
You can email me anytime if you have social media questions, I will be glad to help you anytime socialmedia@themommiesnetwork.org
Next Saturday we will talk Twitter

All Bears Need Love...Book Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

When Baby Brown Bear arrives at City Zoo, all alone and very frightened, Mama Polar Bear scoops him into her arms and promises to be his mother.

Thus begins the tale of a mama bear fielding some common, and sometimes thoughtless, questions about raising an adopted child. With patience and a mother's love, she responds to each, with an unexpected surprise at the end.

Inspired by her own family's adoption story, Tanya Valentine weaves a yarn that reminds us all what really matters ... that all bears need love. Delightfully illustrated by Adam Taylor, parents and children alike will want to read this book over and over.

My children enjoy this tale, similar in structure to another favorite by Rudyard Kipling about an elephant asking many questions. I like that it helps me reinforce, in a fun and accessible way, the important message that love is what makes a family.

Available in paperback on Amazon, signed paperback on etsy, and e-book app, All Bears Need Love is sure to become our new go-to Gotcha Day present.

Ready to spread some love? Tanya will send a signed copy of All Bears Need Love to one lucky reader. Comment below to be entered into our random drawing. One entry per person, please.

The Amazing Boxbag: A Busy Moms New Best Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEMBERS OF THE MOMMIES

NETWORK ONLY!

Box Bag is excited to partner with the Mommies Network and offer members a

special exclusive for Mommies only price of $14.95, plus shipping & handling,

for the 4-Bag Multi Package Television Offer.

The standard price of this package is $19.95, plus shipping and handling.

This savings offer is good until 5/31/2013. To receive this offer, you will need to

enter the code MOM13 in the promotional code space on the buy now page of

www.justboxbagit.com.

Brighten up your life with the amazing Box Bag, the bag that’s a box!
Busy Moms just found a new best friend.

The Box Bag is a patented unique system of mobile, foldable, multi-use bags
that also serve as a box.

Great for Mom’s “on the go” lifestyles and their families, the Box Bags are
available in four stylish colors – sky blue, laurel green, coral pink and desert
beige.

Simple easy and endlessly practical!

The Amazing Box Bag, the bag that’s a box, makes your life less messy! These
delightful bags come in three perfect sizes – large, medium and small.
The Box Bag is durable, waterproof, versatile and even has convenient carrying
handles.The Box Bags are easy to clean and store almost anywhere. It’s the
only inexpensive, multipurpose container that combines the best features of
boxes and bags.

You never know when one of life’s wet, dirty, smelly, sticky, sandy, sweaty, or
greasy surprises is just around the corner. Now you will always be prepared.
(Make sure to check out the special deal & code at the end of this post just for
Mommies Network readers)

Available in a variety of beautiful colors and patterns, the boxbag is the perfect solution for the toughest jobs. It's the best of a box mixed with the best of a bag.

The boxbag is perfect for:

Groceries

Gardening Equipment

Shoes

Sports Equipment

Laundry

Beach & pool accessories

Simple Setup

Reusable

Portable

Easy to clean

Easy to store

Anything and everything!

I am off to order mine now, what a unique idea!

MOM13 at www.justboxbagit.com to get your special Mommies Network
Only offer!

Building A Better Student Series : Front Row

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

One of the hats I wear is that of public speaker, which means I’m often looking back at a sea of faces in a crowded room. In the past week alone I’ve been on stage twice, sharing insights and laughs with a few hundred people.
It’s interesting to watch people file into an auditorium or assembly hall and choose their seats. The front half of a room is often sparsely populated, while the seats in the back fill up quickly. Few people automatically move toward the front, and nobody, it seems, ever wants to sit right on the front row.
Which is odd, because if I was Jon Bon Jovi there would be a stampede for those seats. For a presentation or training session, though, many people sit as far away as possible. C’mon, I’m no Jon Bon Jovi, but I’m not Medusa, either.
Recently I started thinking about the front row/back row situation as it pertains to education. Does it make a difference where a child sits in class? Does her seat selection influence her outcome?
The only evidence I’ve seen is anecdotal, but it’s powerful.
A friend of mine told me the story of her daughter, who is mostly a B or C student. She’s also an extremely social child - which partly explains the grades. During a brief conversation one day the mom asked her daughter where she sat in class. Not surprisingly, the answer was ‘in the back.’
“Do me a favor,” Mom said. “Spend the next week in the front row. Just as an experiment.”

At the end of that week the daughter had scored a resounding A on a paper and on an important test. In fact, her test grade was the highest in the class. The mother says that she’s convinced the seating change played an important role.
Think about the factors involved:

Countless distractions - When you sit in the back, there’s a veritable sea of bodies, movement, and chatter between you and the teacher.
Better vision - Kids near the front of the room have fewer problems seeing the examples on the board or the screen. Add to that the noise; it’s harder to hear the teacher in the back.
Teacher’s perception - This is simply human nature. No matter how responsible and/or accomplished a student may be, it’s natural for an educator to assume that someone sitting in the back is disengaged from the learning process. Plus, how many jokes have we heard about troublemakers in the back row? Studies with university professors have confirmed that they do indeed form an impression based upon where a student chooses to sit.

Like my friend, perhaps you should have a casual chat with the young person in your house. Talk to him about where he sits in class; if he regularly hangs out in the back, encourage him to move forward. Then track the results over time.
I believe this choice spills over into other aspects of our lives. People who choose to sit near the front develop a better attitude and more confidence. When I speak at a conference, I sense a strong character in the folks who boldly stride down the aisle and sit in the first two or three rows; they almost exude an air of self-assurance. They strike me as leaders.
Your son or daughter would do well to consider this change. Sure, it might be tough for them at first, but they’ll quickly grow into it. Not only will they be more likely to pay attention in class, they’ll establish a better relationship with their instructors. Believe me, as a professional speaker I can verify that eye contact builds rapport and trust.
By the time she graduates, your child likely will have developed a front-row attitude toward life. And that’s a benefit that goes well beyond test scores and grades.

Dom Testa is an author, speaker, morning radio show host, and has kept a ficus tree alive for twenty two years. He’s also the founder and president of The Big Brain Club, a non-profit foundation that helps young people embrace the idea that Smart Is Cool. More info at www.DomTesta.com.

Thank you Dom for another great post in his series "Building A Better Student" featured weekly right here on The Mommies Network blog

How Is Media Affecting Your Kids? {infographic}

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:55:00 +0000

Lets get those kids outside this week, lots of events on your local Mommies Network calendars, playdates and playgroups, library storytimes, park fun, sidewalk chalk fun, bubble time and much much more! Check out your local Mommies Network chapter or find friendship on The Mommies Network National Forum, info here www.themommiesnetwork.org . Proud to support our local communities across the USA.

What does The Mommies Network mean to you?

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Every morning, I do the same thing. I get my cup of coffee while I make breakfast for the kid. I gather the clothes together, making a small pile on the sofa next to me- awaiting the completion of whatever cereal or breakfast bar is being consumed by the little one in the kitchen. I sip my coffee and grab my phone, and I log into my chapter of The Mommies Network. I click " View Your Posts" to see if there have been any responses to my latest musings. Then, I go onto The Mommy Forum, then Relationships,usually heading to the conversations that have the most appeal...the ones with the most posts! Maybe take a timeout to get the kid dressed. Then onto my area group, then my support groups. Then I swing over to my Facebook, then my Twitter, then back to my chapter of The Mommies Network to see the newest posts. I do this about 20 or 30 times a day...rinse and repeat.

Occasionally, I will get particularly attached to a post...be it my own or someone elses. Then, I might check in 40 or 50 times a day ( thank God for smartphones!). Every now and then I'll be a part of a conversation that is gaining traction...bunches of posts, and my heart is lifted with each page of conversation that is added...one page...two pages...five pages! It's like Christmas morning every time I open a page....a slight joy to see what has been added.

Sometimes, it's fluff...a coupon I found or looking for new homeowners insurance. Sometimes it's personal...an issue with my Mother-in-Law or a behavioral issue with my little one. Sometimes it's topical...a news piece or an article I found. But each time, it is the same feeling. I am a part of something- a community that shares something special and something unique.

How many times have you done this?

Now, I need to think about what that MEANS to me. I knew early on that it meant a great deal to me; it meant that I was a part of a network of women who took on their identity as a Mommy, and took it to another level. I knew that becoming a mother forced me to re-identify who I was as a person, because I was forever changed by the little wonder that appeared in my life. But being a part of The Mommies Network took it to a new level. It allowed me to take the new me.- the mother me- and USE it. By using it, I became a Mommy. I used all of those tools that came with motherhood and I applied them. My words became softer, my ideas became firmer, and my passions shifted from what was good for me to what was good for the world I was creating for my child.

Along the way, I have met mothers who are very different than me. I have encountered people that I would have never counted as my friends in my life before motherhood. However, I can now see them for what they are ... exactly like me. Their ideas might be different, and their style may be different, but their reasons and their execution is cornered in exactly the same place as mine. Everything they do is the result of their love for their children. They, too, have been forever changed by becoming a mother, and they are on the same journey as me, figuring out how to apply this unique relationship to how they relate to the world.

So, when I think about The Mommies Network, I need to think about what it is to me, and the solution becomes so simple. The Mommies Network gave me to the place to FIND all of these things. It was the platform, the medium, the safe space where I was able to make the most of the new me. The value in that is not simple to measure, but it is clear to me that I have to find a way to measure it, and give back in turn.

There are so many ways to give back, and if you are like me, you want to give back to someone else what you have received. This network does not exist on it's own. It takes time and energy and money and resources. There are opportunities to give back at every turn. You can donate time, you can donate resources, you can sponsor, you can donate money, you can be a part of the events, or you can just show up to witness the efforts of others who have given back. All of these things expand the network. They make it available to more and more women who are just like you. As we work together, we make the number of mothers in our network larger and larger, and we are able to do more and more to make the world a better place for our children.

I encourage everyone to look at themselves as a Mommy, and think about what it means to you. Right now, The Mommies Network is holding their annual May is for Mother's campaign to help meet the monetary demands of running the network. If being a Mommy has value to you, match it with a donation. However, there are other ways you can contribute. There are volunteer positions available both at The Mommies Network and at the Chapter level. Consider donating your time to this worthy cause. If you are a business owner, consider sponsorship with The Mommies Network as a way to give back to these communities and engage with the membership.

But, most of all, see your identity as a Mommy as something that makes you a part of something special, and embrace what that means to you! Because there are a million ways to mother ... and one network for us all.

Raise money online for MOMMIES NETWORK

Thank you for supporting The Mommies Network!

Trading In My Baby Bag {Guest Post}

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

I have accepted the fact that I will never be pregnant again. I pretend that it isn't true. My brain realizes what my body, mind, and soul have gone through over the past 18 years. My heart, well, that's a different story. I have never said it out loud, but writing it down is the first step. I am not having any more children. The realization hurts. It is a dull ache, so it is not always noticeable. Every once in awhile, it hits me again.

My last three pregnancies were very hard - two losses, a diagnosis of an incompetent cervix, bedrest, and a micropreemie. Add eight children into the equation and you must think I am crazy for even contemplating another pregnancy. I am now considered to be of Advanced Maternal Age. Those three little words written across the top of my chart are enough to make me pause. My husband and I had a deal. No more pregnancies after 35. I almost kept my word, delivering my last baby a few weeks after I turned 36.

I get a similar feeling when I get an email from Target advertising its baby sale as when I received emails about my baby registry after I lost the boys,. I don't need those things anymore. At the mall, I run into Motherhood Maternity to use their bathroom. Have you noticed how cute maternity clothes are? I will never need to buy anything there again. I will miss maternity jeans. When else is it acceptable to wear cute jeans with an elastic waistband? Recently, I gave all of mine away, so I am not tempted to throw a pair on while lounging around the house.

My mind plays funny tricks on me. Every once in awhile I think I can feel movement in my stomach. Why would I assume it was hunger or simply gas? No, I let my imagination wander, fantasizing about creating another perfect little addition to my family. Then, I stop to remember the hospital stays, the NICU, and the strain pregnancy placed on my family. I pour myself a cup of tea, and all of a sudden the rumblings subside.

My last baby is slowly becoming a little boy. I am blissfully happy living in the land of Toddlerhood. I may never get to sniff the top of my newborn's head again, but there is so much more I will get to experience. Each day, I get to watch my children learn new things and master new skills. I am trading in my baby bag for a cute purse.

Plus, when I think about never having to experience morning sickness again, elastic waistbands are not such a draw anymore.

Jennifer Swartvagher blogs at www.beyondthecrib.com about her life and her adventures raising eight children, ranging in age from 17 to one year. The journey beyond the crib doesn't end when the kids are out of diapers, and no one judges us as hard as we judge ourselves. Beyond The Crib's goal is to help other moms (and dads) see that we are all in this crazy world of parenthood together.

Wordless Wednesday Love

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Performances, Attractions, and Activities.... LakeNormanMommies Style!

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:56:00 +0000

We wanted to share this exciting event for our NC families, you must check out the Free Family Carnival sponsored by :

LakeNormanMommies and the EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station present an afternoon of fun for all ages! Join us on Saturday, May 18, 2013 11a.m.-4p.m. for this family-friendly event featuring the following organizations and businesses from the Lake Norman Community!

Performances, Attractions, and Activities...

Main Stage

Little Dreamer Productions - DJ & MC services
Cheer Xplosion AllStars
Dancin Kids
Expressions Dance Studio
Grand Central Academy of the Performing Arts
Rock University

Activities

Burn Bootcamp - Field Activities for Children and Adults
Sweet Dreams Mattress & Furniture - Bounce House
Meet the Mascot - Photo Op
Heather the Storyteller - Story Time
Cold Blooded Encounters - Reptile Show
Twist the Balloon Man - Magic Show
Pre-K Birthdays - Crafts
Rocket Ryan - Science Demonstrations
Candy Art by Chris Hughes
Renaissance Festival - Strolling Performers

Touch-a-Truck
Coca-Cola Discovery Truck
Cornelius Police Department
Huntersville Police Department
Huntersville Fire Department
North Mecklenburg Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.

Community Outreach & Awareness
Ballas Chiropractic
Earth Fare
Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
Novant Health Women's Health Education
A Safe Child - car seat safety & baby proofing demonstrations

Refreshments
Bruster's Ice Cream - ice cream, hot dogs, beverages available for purchase

Carnival Games and Activities
Carnival games and other activities are provided by our vendors.

Games include duck pond, wheel spin, knock 'em down, penny toss, fishbowl ping pong toss, and more. Each winner receives a ticket to be entered into a drawing for a prize in the prize tent.

Activities include crafts, face painting, carnival themed photo booth, and more.

Vendors
Bird Nest Boutique, Innovative Speed Shop, Jamberry Nails, Lakeside Dental, Mary Kay, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Pink Zebra, Scentsy, SnookySmiles, Stella & Dot, Sunshine Borders, Thirty-One, Tupperstars, and WildTree

Prize Tent
Did you receive a ticket at one of the games or activities? Be sure to head to the Prize Tent to be entered into a drawing for the prize of your choosing!

Prizes
Prizes include products and services from Ballas Chiropractic, Bird Nest Boutique, Burn Bootcamp, Carolina Women's Defense, Carowinds, Earth Fare, Grand Central Academy of the Performing Arts, Innovative Speed Shop, Insley Photography, Jamberry Nails, Jockey Person to Person, MM House and Office Cleaning, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Perfect Fit, Pink Zebra, SnookySmiles, Stella & Dot, Sunshine Borders, Sweet Dreams Mattress & Furniture, Tupperstars, Twist the Balloon Man, WildTree, and more!

See this event on Facebook

Family Carnival

Saturday, May 18, 2013, 11a.m.-4p.m.

The EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station

13339 Hagers Ferry Rd., Huntersville, NC

This event is FREE and open to the community!

How to find us:

From Charlotte I-77
Take I-77 to Hwy. 73 (exit 25). West on Hwy. 73 (toward Birkdale Village). Go approximately five miles to the stoplight at McGuire Nuclear Station. The EnergyExplorium is just past Southlake Christian School and Church. Turn right into plant entrance. Stay in right lane and follow signs to the EnergyExplorium.

From I-485
Take I-485 to Hwy. 16 (exit 16). West toward Newton. Exit east onto Hwy. 73 toward Huntersville. Go approximately five miles to the stoplight at McGuire Nuclear Station. Turn left into plant entrance. Stay in right lane and follow signs to the EnergyExplorium.

From Mooresville I-77
Take I-77 south toward Huntersville to exit 25. Turn right off the interstate ramp and follow Hwy. 73 west approximately five miles. The EnergyExplorium is just past Southlake Christian School and Church. Turn right at stoplight for McGuire Nuclear Station and follow signs to the EnergyExplorium.

From Charlotte Hwy. 16
Take Hwy. 16 North toward Denver. Take Hwy. 73 exit and turn right off interstate ramp. Follow Hwy. 73 toward Huntersville. You will pass Cowans Ford Dam on your left; the next stoplight you come to will be the McGuire Nuclear Station entrance. Turn left into McGuire and follow signs to the EnergyExplorium.

How exciting, looks like such fun! See you there!!

TMN girls

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

From all of us here at The Mommies Network, we celebrate all moms today!!

Have a Happy Mother's Day!

A Mother's Day Survey {infographic} best and worst gifts ever...

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Sat, 11 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

What is your best and worst Mother's Day gift ever? Visit our Facebook page today and chat about it.

The History of Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Leslie Block) — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:10:00 +0000

Believe it or not, Mother’s Day has been around for centuries. The ancient Greeks celebrated Rhea, mother of the gods, while the ancient Romans honored their mother goddess, Cybele. The Romans were quite a randy bunch and it is well known that the Cybele revelers were banished from Rome! Nothing like getting crazy on Mother’s Day, huh? In Britain, the goddess Brigid was honored with a spring celebration each year, in concurrence with the first milk of the ewes.

The origins of the more modern Mother’s Day come from Britain when in the 17th century, they celebrated “Mothering Sunday.” This holiday was celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was set aside for apprentices and laborers to have a day to go home and visit their mothers. They would bring along a fruitcake type delicacy called simnels and would dine on furmenty, which was a sweet boiled cereal dish. Nothing like cereal and fruitcake to celebrate good old Mom, eh? By the 19th century, Mothering Sunday was just another day in the life of the British population. Anna Reeves Jarvis established “Mothers’ Work Days” in the mid-1800s to work for better sanitary conditions during the Civil War. She continued the practice after the war to help establish reconciliation between the two sides.

Julia Ward Howe, the author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, also worked towards establishing a “Mother’s Day for Peace” in the late 1800s. This day was set aside for honoring mothers, women and peace. In 1873, 18 cities held a “Mother’s Day for Peace” gathering. Once Howe stopped financially supporting the holiday, it quickly died off and we were left without a Mother’s Day once again.

Finally, in 1907, Anna Jarvis began the journey to establish the day we now know as Mother’s Day. It was her own mother’s dying wish to establish a day on which all mothers, living and dead, were honored. She began her crusade by passing out 500 white carnations to members at her mother’s church, one for each mother in the congregation. In 1908, the first church held a service honoring mothers per Jarvis’ request. Also that year, John Wanamaker joined in the fight to establish an official Mother’s Day. The first bill was presented to the US Senate that year and was declined 33 to 14. The following year, 48 states plus Canada and Mexico were celebrating Mother’s Day with special church services. Jarvis continued to push for an official holiday, eventually quitting her job to spend all of her time writing letters to legislators and any group who may have influence in Washington. Her efforts finally paid off in 1914 when the US Congress passed a Joint Resolution establishing Mother’s Day as an official holiday.

Jarvis became increasingly despondent over the commercialization of Mother’s Day, however, and spent the rest of her life protesting various Mother’s Day celebrations and businesses, especially florists, who marketed the holiday for financial gain.

Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world on various days. In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in May, just as it is in many other countries, including Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia and Belgium. In Spain, Mother’s Day is actually celebrated as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, when all mothers are honored, especially Mary, the mother of Christ. France celebrates the holiday in late May when families eat a special cake resembling a bouquet of flowers. Great Britain re-instituted “Mothering Sunday” after WWII.

Gift Ideas for Moms There are so many different mothers, which presents many gift ideas to choose from. Traditionally, flowers, especially carnations, are given to the mother or worn as a corsage. White carnations are worn to honor a mother who has died, while pink carnations honor mothers still alive. Most moms will receive a phone call from their kids: Mother’s Day boasts the highest number of long-distance calls on any one day of the year. Moms often get to leave the kitchen on Mother’s Day too: most restaurants report that Mother’s Day is the busiest day of the year.

Want to do something special for Mom this year? Make a personal card for her and include a letter telling her how much she means to you. Purchase and plant a tree or shrub in her yard that she can enjoy for years to come. Whatever you do, make sure you let her know how important she is to you. One last thing: don’t forget YOU are a mother too! Take some time to spend with your children and enjoy the blessings that motherhood brings to your life. Most importantly, let this be a day of love and family: for without these things, we are truly nothing.

Historical information provided by About.com
Originially posted on CharlotteMommies.blogspot.com